Top 5 Dangerous Intersections in Jacksonville and How to Stay Safe
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office recently issued a blunt warning, reminding drivers in its jurisdiction that they are more likely to die in a car accident than be murdered.
Car accidents in Jacksonville continue to be a serious problem. According to state statistics, Jacksonville traffic crashes killed 155 and injured 15,479 people in a recent year. The leading causes of these accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.
Dangerous Intersections in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s collisions tend to occur on certain roads and intersections. These locations become hazardous for a few reasons, including road design, traffic controls, and congestion. For example, impatient drivers may be more likely to run red lights on roads with high speed limits. Similarly, stop or yield signs might be inadequate to handle a road’s traffic volume.
Intersections, for example, are inherently dangerous since traffic approaches from different directions. If drivers fail to obey signs and follow the traffic laws, they move directly into another vehicle’s path.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the five most dangerous intersections in Jacksonville include the following:
- FL-21/Blanding Blvd. and Youngerman Cir.
- Argyle Forest Blvd. and FL-21/Blanding Blvd.
- FL-21/Blanding Blvd. and Collins Rd.
- 103rd St. and Ricker Rd.
- FL-115/Southside Blvd. and FL-10/Atlantic Blvd.
Pedestrian accidents can also occur at intersections. According to the map presented on the Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard, the most dangerous intersection for pedestrians was US-23/State St. and Main St.
Jacksonville Intersection Accidents
According to the Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard, intersection accidents in a recent year caused 38 deaths and 148 serious injuries. The people harmed in these crashes included motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Sadly, many of these crashes could have been prevented if one or both road users had exercised reasonable care.
You must first learn some causes of intersection accidents to understand how to stay safe while driving in Jacksonville. Intersection-related collisions can happen in a few ways. It can occur when vehicles collide in the intersection due to a right-of-way violation. It can also happen on the approach to the intersection due to driving mistakes.
These errors lead to the following intersection collision scenarios:
Red Light or Stop Sign Accidents
Traffic controls include traffic signals, signs, and speed limits. These features help manage traffic so it flows efficiently and safely. Drivers who disobey signs and signals defy other drivers’ expectations, leading to intersection crashes.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions, also referred to as front-to-back crashes, typically occur for one or more of the following reasons:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving
For example, a driver may rear-end a vehicle stopped at a red light because they were tailgating it and did not have enough time to stop when the signal changed.
Left-Turn Accidents
A common crash scenario happens when a driver turns left in front of or into a vehicle going through the intersection. In some cases, the person driving straight does something to mislead the driver who is turning left.
For example, the driver might slow down and activate their turn signal before changing their mind and going straight. In this case, both drivers may share the blame. However, in many cases, the turning driver bears the blame. Instead of yielding to the other vehicle, they turn due to impatience, misjudgment, or distraction.
Staying Safe in Jacksonville’s Intersections
You can navigate even the most dangerous intersection in Jacksonville safely by following a few tips. Slow down and pay attention to the other road users, including vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles. Put your phone away and avoid multitasking while driving. Follow the right-of-way rules and obey signs.
Finally, wear a seat belt. Although driving carefully significantly reduces the risk that you will cause a crash, you never know when someone else might hit you. Seat belts reduce your risk of serious or fatal injuries, even in Jacksonville’s most dangerous intersections.